Senior Test & Validation Engineer - £50k to £60k - Northamptonshire - Automotive/EV We are seeking a Senior Test & Validation Engineer to join our team and play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, performance, and safety of our automotive systems. In this role, you will lead comprehensive test and validation programs. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, bringing your expertise in test methodologies, automotive standards, and validation processes to ensure our products meet and exceed rigorous industry standards. Role: Senior Test & Validation Engineer Salary: £50k to £60k Location: Northamptonshire Key Responsibilities Test Strategy Development & Execution Lead the design, implementation, and refinement of test strategies, validation plans, and methodologies for complex automotive systems. Develop and execute detailed test cases covering functional, durability, environmental, and reliability testing, ensuring compliance with [specific automotive standards, e.g., ISO 26262 for functional safety, ASPICE, etc.]. Conduct HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop), SIL (Software-in-the-Loop), and MIL (Model-in-the-Loop) testing to validate control systems and software applications within the vehicle ecosystem. Automotive Standards & Compliance Ensure that all validation activities adhere to regulatory and customer requirements, including compliance with standards such as ISO, SAE, and OEM-specific standards. Document and manage testing protocols, change requests, and validation results in line with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) processes. Data Analysis & Issue Resolution Analyze and interpret test data to assess performance, identify potential design issues, and work with engineering teams to implement corrective actions. Use statistical tools, FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), and root-cause analysis techniques to evaluate test outcomes and improve system robustness. Collaboration & Leadership Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design, quality, and production, to support the entire product lifecycle from prototype through production. Provide guidance to junior engineers, setting up best practices, mentoring in testing techniques, and contributing to team knowledge sharing. Documentation & Reporting Prepare and maintain comprehensive test reports, validation documents, and technical assessments to support product release decisions. Present findings to internal stakeholders and external customers, including recommendations for design improvements and validation best practices. Qualifications Education : Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field. Technical Skills : Strong understanding of automotive systems, including knowledge of CAN, LIN, and FlexRay communication protocols. Experience with automotive testing tools and software (e.g., CANoe, CANalyzer, Vector tools, LabVIEW, MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE). Familiarity with industry standards and regulations such as ISO 26262, IATF 16949, and ASPICE. Proficiency in test automation, scripting languages (e.g., Python), and data analysis tools. Soft Skills : Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Strong communication and technical writing abilities, with the capacity to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Collaborative mindset and leadership skills to guide team members and contribute to a high-performance team environment.